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A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
including The Conductor, a special section of the Spectrum printed 4 times a year

Founders Day kicks off 125th Anniversary Celebration

By David Nutter

Spectrum Volume 19 Issue 23 - March 13, 1997

Founders Day, Virginia Tech's annual celebration of the academic and
professional achievements of its faculty, students, and staff, will be held in
Burruss auditorium on Friday, April 4, beginning at 3:15 p.m. Adding further
significance to this year's convocation is that it marks the beginning of the
university's 125th Anniversary Celebration: 1872-1997.

"For 125 years, Virginia Tech has served the people of Virginia and indeed the
world," said Larry Hincker, associate vice president for University Relations
and co-chair of the Anniversary Committee. "It is only fitting that we begin
the celebration of our 125th year at Founders Day."

As part of this year's Founders Day ceremony, the university will award the
William H. Ruffner Medal to Clifton C. Garvin Jr., the immediate past
rector of the Board of Visitors. Garvin, Class of 1943, is the retired chairman
and CEO of Exxon Corporation.

Throughout the year the anniversary committee is sponsoring a series of
distinguished alumni lectures. The first, on Tuesday, April 15, will feature an
address by Virginia Tech alumnus and Nobel Prize winner Robert C. Richardson.
His talk begins at 7:30 p.m. in Squires Colonial Hall.

The outstanding student winners are: Rebecca J. Cutright, College of
Agriculture and Life Sciences; Diane B. Miller, College of Architecture
and Urban Studies; Bryan Lee McDonald, College of Arts and Sciences;
Charles P. Koerber, Pamplin College of Business; John B.
Kronebusch, College of Engineering; Nicole Robitaille, College of
Forestry and Wildlife; Michelle R. Smith, College of Human Resources and
Education; and Rebecca D. Rose, College of Veterinary Medicine.